The Basement

So our air conditioner in the sanctuary went out last week. We didn't realize it until Saturday afternoon. I probably should have called someone to fix it then but I was worried about the weekend rates. Next time I'll make the call. It was so hot by 11am that I decided to move our traditional service to the basement (Fellowship Hall) for worship. I determined that most folks would be willing to make the change instead of sweating for an hour and I believe that was the consensus. What was surprising was how much people seemed to enjoy the closeness! We were a packed house in the basement and almost every seat was full. Some enjoy their space in the sanctuary, but most enjoyed a more intimate setting in the basement. This has really made me think about the importance of community on Sunday morning. So how many people do you think would throw a fit if I roped off the last three or four pews on Sunday morning?

God and Suffering

Death and suffering always bring up a lot of good questions about God and why bad things happen. Pastor Adam Hamilton of Church of the Resurrection recently did a sermon entitled "God and Suffering". If you are a podcast person you can go to the podcast area of iTunes and do a search on Church of the Resurrection or Adam Hamilton and find it. If you want to watch it on your computer you can go to the following web link to watch/listen immediately: http://www.cor.org/worship-sermons/sermonarchives/show/sermons/God-and-Suffering-1/. I listened to the podcast and found it profoundly helpful. Of course, when you are experiencing immense suffering and loss there are no appropriate answers that will remove your pain and make all things well. But with time comes opportunity to think and feel and heal. When you are in that place, Adam's sermon may be helpful to you.

Abby Cockrill Funeral Service Information

Abby Cockrill was killed in a car accident Sunday morning at 1:30am around the area of I-29 and 152 highway. Her friend, who was driving, escaped the accident with no injuries and they were both wearing their seat belts. The man who hit them did have a blood alcohol content well above the legal amount. Abby is the granddaughter of WUMC members Robert and Earlene Fulk and the niece of Dennis and Barbara Fulk. Abby’s parents, Diana and Pat, are members of the 1^st Christian Church in Platte City.

Abby’s visitation will be at 1^st Christian Church (708 3^rd Street) in Platte City tomorrow, Wednesday the 25^th from 6:30-8pm. Her funeral will be Thursday the 26^th, 10:30am at 1^st Christian Church. A grave side service will follow the funeral at Platte City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to the 1^st Christian Church Youth Group or the Missouri Special Olympics. Please keep the Cockrill and Fulk families in your prayers.